CHILD ATTACKED BY LION IN RUSSIAN CIRCUS

Born Free is shocked by recent reports that a child has been attacked by a lion in a circus in Russia.

An online video shows the four-year-old girl standing close to the ‘safety net’, when the lion lunged and pulled her into the ring. After she was eventually freed, the girl was reportedly taken to hospital with wounds to her face and chest.

Whilst big cat attacks involving circus trainers are not uncommon, this incident is a horrific reminder that public safety is also a major concern. For many years, Born Free has highlighted the risks posed by using wild animals in circuses and believes that the ‘safety barriers’ put up in an attempt to protect the audience are woefully inadequate.

Born Free opposes the use of wild animals in circuses, and campaigns for national and international legislation to bring this practice to an end.